Tanto Amar

Chico Buarque's song 'Tanto Amar' delves into the complexities and dualities of love through poetic and metaphorical lyrics. The song's narrator expresses a profound and consuming love for a woman, whose eyes symbolize the multifaceted nature of their relationship. One eye is described as floating, while the other is agitated, representing the contrasting emotions and states of being within their love. This duality is further emphasized by the description of one eye avoiding the narrator's gaze and the other eye widening in excitement or surprise, suggesting a mix of distance and intimacy.

The lyrics also explore the idea of struggle and harmony within the relationship. The woman's eyes are depicted as calling for a fight and simultaneously yearning for peace, reflecting the push and pull dynamics often present in romantic relationships. The narrator's contemplation of his own identity through her gaze—whether he is destined to face the challenges of the sea or to be a lighthouse keeper—highlights how love can be a mirror, revealing one's true self and potential.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator envisions a future with the woman, mentioning their child in Managua and the possibility of marriage in Puerto Rico. This shift from the abstract to the concrete signifies a deepening of their bond and a desire for stability and commitment. The recurring theme of the woman's eyes, with one blinking and the other staring, continues to underscore the ongoing tension and balance in their love. Ultimately, 'Tanto Amar' is a rich and layered exploration of love's dualities, capturing both its beauty and its challenges.